It Isn't Enough to Love Kids or Math

Dan Meyer - Mathworlds

The article explores the motivations behind becoming a math teacher, identifying two primary sources of professional energy: a love for mathematics and a love for helping students. It delves into the challenges that educators face when they draw energy solely from one source and neglect the other. For instance, focusing exclusively on the mathematical content can lead to students feeling undervalued and disengaged, as they perceive their teacher's passion for the subject as a lack of care for their personal growth and identity. Conversely, prioritizing student welfare over the subject matter might lead to missed educational opportunities, as avoiding challenging topics or skipping content can hinder students' foundational knowledge and compound their difficulties in the future.

The core argument is that both a love for mathematics and a love for students are essential and interdependent in the practice of math education. The author asserts that focusing on one aspect to the exclusion of the other is insufficient for sustained, effective teaching. To bridge this gap, the article suggests adopting five productive actions – anticipate, monitor, select, sequence, and connect – originally proposed by Smith and Stein in 2011. These actions are designed to foster a balanced appreciation for both the subject and the learners, encouraging teachers to engage deeply with mathematical concepts while also understanding and valuing the students' perspectives and thought processes.

These practices offer a pathway for teachers to develop their professional identities around both their subject expertise and their commitment to student development. For teachers primarily motivated by their love of math, these actions provide a framework for appreciating the students' unique contributions to learning. They encourage teachers to value student input not just for its correctness but for its potential to spark interesting and meaningful discussions. Similarly, for teachers driven by a passion for nurturing student growth, these practices underscore the importance of deep mathematical understanding in recognizing and elevating the value in students' ideas.

The article concludes by emphasizing that the dual focus on math and students enriches the teaching and learning experience, making education a more inclusive and dynamic journey. It challenges educators to see themselves as guides on a wide path that accommodates a diverse range of ideas and individuals, with the ultimate goal of walking this path alongside their students.

This reflective piece encourages educators to introspect about their motivations and to consider adopting a balanced approach that honors both their love for mathematics and their commitment to fostering student growth and understanding. By doing so, teachers can create a more engaging and effective learning environment that respects and nurtures both the subject matter and the students.

Original Article

------------------------------

Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com